Standing Out Early in Your Career with Wai Ken

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition Asia, Matthew Cooper, Managing Director of Ambition Malaysia, together with co-host Kim-Yie Lee, Director of Banking & Financial Services, sits down with Wai Ken Wong, Country Manager, Malaysia at StashAway, for a conversation on leadership, career decisions and building organisations in a fast-changing financial landscape.

As the first employee of StashAway Malaysia in 2018, Wai Ken played a pivotal role in establishing the firm’s presence in the country. From securing regulatory approvals and launching operations to scaling the organisation into Malaysia’s largest digital investment manager with over RM1.3 billion in assets under management, his journey offers valuable insight into what it takes to build and lead in a fast-moving fintech environment.

Reflecting on his career path, Wai Ken shares how early experiences studying and working in Australia during the global financial crisis shaped his outlook on finance and leadership. He also discusses the mindset required to transition from structured corporate environments into startup leadership, where ambiguity, experimentation and resilience are often part of the daily reality.

Throughout the conversation, Wai Ken explores how leaders navigate uncertainty, build strong teams and adapt to changing technologies, including the growing role of AI in the workplace. He also offers practical advice for professionals at different stages of their careers, emphasising the importance of taking initiative, reflecting on career choices and continuing to invest in personal growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Early career experiences and differentiating yourself

Wai Ken reflects on his early years studying in Australia, where being surrounded by hundreds of talented peers pushed him to seek ways to stand out. Starting work early and gaining real-world experience became a key differentiator in his career.

Experiencing the global financial crisis firsthand

Working while studying during the global financial crisis gave him an early perspective on how markets behave during periods of volatility and uncertainty, shaping his understanding of financial systems and risk.

Transitioning from investment banking to fintech

Before joining StashAway, Wai Ken worked at Affin Hwang Capital, where he led IPO and capital-raising exercises. Moving into fintech required a shift from structured corporate environments into a much more experimental and entrepreneurial setting.

Building StashAway Malaysia from the ground up

As employee number one in Malaysia, Wai Ken discusses the challenges of launching operations, navigating regulatory frameworks and scaling a team while building a new category of digital wealth management in the local market.

Leadership in uncertain environments

From regulatory changes to market disruptions, Wai Ken explains why leaders must be comfortable operating in ambiguity and why taking a direction is often better than waiting for perfect clarity.

Balancing leadership and family life

The conversation also touches on the realities of managing demanding leadership roles while maintaining personal priorities, including raising a young family.

Managing the next generation workforce

Wai Ken shares his observations on working with younger professionals, including the strengths they bring to the workplace and how leaders can create environments that encourage initiative and ownership.

The growing role of AI in the workplace

As technology continues to evolve, the discussion explores how AI may reshape how organisations operate and how leaders must prepare to manage both people and technology-driven systems.

Key Takeaways

Early career differentiation often comes from gaining practical experience and taking initiative
Leadership in startups requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to adapt quickly
Progress in fast-moving environments often comes from action rather than over-analysis
Strong teams are built through alignment, communication and trust
Younger professionals can bring new energy and innovation when given ownership
Leaders must remain open to technological shifts such as AI and understand how they shape the future of work
Taking time to reflect on your career can help ensure you are not leaving opportunities on the table

Key Quotes from the Episode

“In a room full of talented people, you have to find a way to differentiate yourself.”

“Over-intellectualising before doing is a recipe for not achieving anything.”

“Leaders need to be comfortable dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty.”

“You might be the last generation of leaders managing people-only workforces.”

“Sometimes taking a direction is better than having no direction at all.”

About Wai Ken Wong

Wai Ken Wong is the Country Manager and Director of StashAway Malaysia, where he has played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling the firm’s operations since 2018.

As the company’s first employee in Malaysia, he led its journey from licensing and market entry to becoming the country’s largest digital investment manager, overseeing more than RM1.3 billion in assets under management while supporting a rapidly growing client base. Over the years, he has guided the organisation’s product strategy, governance standards and market positioning, while building a multidisciplinary team of over 100 employees.

Across his tenure, he has overseen the development and launch of several key initiatives while maintaining a strong regulatory track record as a Licensed Director and Chief Executive under the Securities Commission Malaysia.

Prior to joining StashAway, Wai Ken served as Vice President in Equity Capital Markets at Affin Hwang Capital, where he led IPO executions and capital-raising exercises across multiple sectors.

About Matthew Cooper

Matthew Cooper is the Managing Director of Ambition Malaysia, leading recruitment across Commerce & Industry, Global Business Services, and Banking & Financial Services.

With more than 20 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Asia, Matthew is passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening long-term client partnerships, and helping organisations navigate increasingly complex talent challenges.

Under his leadership, the Malaysia business has built a strong reputation for specialist market knowledge, trusted relationships, and a steadfast commitment to Ambition’s purpose of Building Better Futures.

About Kim-Yie Lee

Kim-Yie Lee is a Director at Ambition Malaysia, where she leads the Banking & Financial Services recruitment practice.

With over a decade of experience in the recruitment industry, Kim-Yie specialises in partnering with financial institutions and fintech organisations to identify and secure talent across mid-level to senior leadership roles. Prior to joining recruitment, she began her career at a global bank, giving her valuable insight into the dynamics of the financial services sector.

Known for her consultative approach, Kim-Yie works closely with both clients and candidates across the banking and financial services industry. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and supporting organisations in strengthening their leadership teams while helping professionals navigate important career decisions.